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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.